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Wheels and Other Methods for Moving Your Shipping Container
18
Mar 2022

Wheels and Other Methods for Moving Your Shipping Container

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Shipping containers are large, heavy objects that often remain sedentary for long periods of time. However, when the need to move them arises, it’s easy to think that a heavy item like a shipping container needs heavier (and often expensive) equipment to transport it from one place to another.

Using heavy equipment like forklifts and cranes to move your container may seem like the most obvious option, but, truthfully, this method can turn out to be a hassle with all the unnecessary time and expenses lost. Fortunately, there is a better way to move your shipping container that doesn’t involve heavy equipment: wheels.

With the right methods and considerations, moving your shipping container doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process. In this article, we will explain how using wheels is one of the most convenient, easy-to-use ways to move your shipping container.

Using Wheels to Move Your Shipping Container

Wheels can easily be installed on your shipping container by fastening them onto each corner of the container. Once this is done, you can hook your container onto the bumper of your vehicle. When you’re ready to place your container down, position it the way you want it to be and remove the wheels.

Alternatively, a tilt-up trailer, which is also known as a rollback truck, can help you to move your container without using a forklift or crane. As you won’t be using any complicated heavy equipment, the tilt-up trailer method allows you to transport your shipping container into small, tight spaces hassle-free. It is also ideal for transporting lighter containers over shorter distances.

Your shipping container can successfully be moved onto the trailer bed with the following instructions:

  1. Position your tilt-up trailer properly so that its edge is facing parallel to your shipping container. 
  2. Then, use two heavy-duty chains to loop them through the two corner castings closest to the trailer. 
  3. Attach the chains to the edge of the trailer, pull tightly, and start to lift up the tilt bed of your trailer. 
  4. As your container begins to lift up, slip two pieces of wood underneath it, and lower the trailer until you can remove the chains. 
  5. Lastly, back up the tilt-up trailer until the trailer bed is underneath the shipping container.

Other Methods for Moving Your Shipping Container

While wheels may be the more affordable option, it is important to consider all of the following options before moving your container:

  • Step-Deck Truck

One of the more common methods for moving shipping containers, step-deck trucks have a flat, low-to-the-ground platform where the container is set. That being said, a forklift or crane must be used to lift the container on and off the platform, which means it requires the use of heavy equipment.

  • Train

A train may prove to be a good mode of transportation for your container if the intended destination is close to a rail line. However, trains do require more than one method of getting your container to its final place. You will need to find a way to move your shipping container to the rail station. Without heavy equipment, this can be achieved by loading your container onto a tilt-up trailer to transport it by road all the way to the train.

  • Ship

Used for transporting shipping containers over a long-distance or overseas, ships are a great way to move your container, should they fall into this category. Keep in mind, however, that sea shipping does require certain rules and regulations to be followed as opposed to other modes of transport. Like trains, you will also need to make arrangements to transport the container to the loading dock, which can be done by road.

Looking for the perfect shipping container?

Before you think about moving a shipping container, you’ll need to have one in your possession first. If you are in need of a versatile shipping container to fulfill your specific needs, our experts are here to discuss all the important steps needed for a smooth, easy-going experience.

At Sigma Container Corporation, our team of professionals can find you the best, most functional shipping container at the lowest price. For more information on renting shipping containers in Toronto and which one is the right fit for you, contact us today at 855-228-1993 or toll-free at 1-877-225-7762.

Tom Bray is a freelance writer with over five years experience writing for online publications and over ten years in business and sales. He studied journalism and media and has written for various online outlets on multiple topics. His specialty subjects are shipping containers and transport logistics.

Tom’s passion for writing and transport logistics motivates him to provide frequent direct marketing content that can show you how a shipping container can be effectively utilized and modified to each person’s needs.

You can connect with Tom via email at info@sigmacontainer.ca.